Media - To get a clear message out to the world a media liaison person, or group spokesperson should always be present at a blockade. It's this person's role to speak to media, hand out media releases, answer questions and assist media people such as TV crews.
Transport - Transport to & from the protest site and at the site is essential. If you have a four wheel drive (4WD) your vehicle will be very handy.
Food - Good food is always a bonus and cooking and preparing food for the group is always a satisfying job. Whether you are a gourmet chef, consider yourself handy in the kitchen, or just want to cut up vegies you'll be welcome. Being able to design meals and menus, or order foods are also very useful skills.
Structural building - Being able to build structural support systems, e.g. tripods etc, kitchen spaces e.g. benches, set up tents & wet weather covers etc or tying ropes are all much needed skills in this area of activity.
Communications - Radio's are used to communicate within the camp, from one camp to another, and to the outside world back to a telephone base. Radio comms help keep the group cohesive and informed and give a sense of safety since there is a connection to essential services on the outside. Mobile phones can work, but in remote areas, often they don't!
Entertainment - Musicians, story-tellers, fire-twirlers etc. always have a positive effect on the camp.
Documentation- Video is a great form of documentation as you can record exactly what's going down, which can be then be used for legal evidence (court cases etc), educating the public (documentaries , fundraising etc.) You can also use the video camera as a tool of protection (it's amazing how differently people behave if they know they are being filmed). Cameras are useful for the same reason as videos except you can use the photographs for newspaper articles, flyers, and pamphlets. A zoom lens is a particularly handy gadget. Written documentation can take the form of a media release which can be sent to radio, newspapers and TV stations. Communicating to different parties, such as State Forests and the Minister for the Environment can take the form of handwritten letters and may be useful in court at a later time.
Survival basics - It's crucial that someone ensure that there are always good supplies of fresh water and dry firewood available. This may entail organising people and vehicles to go & fetch, before supplies actually run out. Also crucial is the digging of a deep pit toilet, large enough to cater for many people for several days at least. Toilet paper, soap and hand-washing water will also be needed.
Tools & Gear - Blockades in the bush require tools and all kinds of equipment. Gear & tools are both expensive and difficult to replace when you are miles from the nearest town, it's after midnight and you have until dawn to get ready. Keeping track of all tools and equipment, ensuring they are safe & operational is essential if a blockade is to survive.
Facilitation - More than likely at some time during the blockade there is going to be a group meeting ( a circle) and this is when a good facilitator becomes very useful. A facilitator is someone who can keep the group to the topic, in order, clarify an agenda and help the group come to agree on resolutions. A timekeeper can help the facilitator by advising people when they are approaching the agreed time limit, whatever that may be set at.
Legal- The 'Police Liaison Person' is nominated by the group and is a group representative, not its leader. The PLP should not be easily intimidated, should know the issues involved and the planned action. It is their job to keep communication between the police and activists running smoothly. Legal Observers are present at the blockade to support & assist all parties by acting as an 'observer' to events. With a good knowledge of the relevant laws, and usually clearly identifiable in white T-Shirts with the words 'Legal Observer' in red embroidery, Legal Observers have a similar effect on people's behaviour as a video camera and increase the safety of an often tense situation. With their legal experience Legal Advisers can advise blockaders (& if necessary industry or forestry personnel) of their legal rights in relation to the situation as it happens. The roles of Legal Observer and Legal Adviser can overlap or remain separate depending on the availability of lawyers & the scenario underway.
Mediation - To mediate between two or more conflicting parties is to bring all to some agreement everyone will abide by, whether it be professional and/or personal. A mediator, someone who takes on this role, is always a bonus at any blockade.
Child minding - Often there are children at blockade camps. Child-minding can be an important aspect, as it can alleviate stress from parents and give structure and stability for children in high stress situations.
Artistic - Whenever time permits, people can work on banners, mask making, kids workshops, costume-making, sculptures, performances etc.
Healing - Providing First Aid, giving massages, using counselling skills, being a good listener, an under-standing of ointments & herbs, leading yoga/ meditation groups (where time permits) and a variety of other healing skills is always great at a blockade Healers can help with upsetting emotions, assist people not to get into 'burn-out situations and make for a healthier, more contented group. Everyone's a healer in some way.